The Kerala High Court recently emphasized the importance of privacy as a constitutional value and a fundamental right, stating that privacy is the core of human dignity.
“Privacy is the ultimate expression of the sanctity of the individual. There cannot be dignity to an individual without privacy. It is a constitutional value founded on fundamental rights. Privacy with its attended values assures dignity to the individual. Dignity is the core which unites fundamental rights. Privacy is the constitutional core of human dignity”, the order stated.
The court made these observations while considering a plea filed by a woman who Tclaimed that her name, images, and other personal details were published on online media platforms, including YouTube, in connection with an immoral trafficking case. The woman, who was arraigned as a victim in the case, argued that the media exposure had led to cyber-attacks, humiliation, and negatively affected her professional practice and right to privacy. Despite her complaints, the online content had not been taken down. In response, the High Court ordered the State Police Chief to remove the petitioner’s images from online media platforms and scheduled a further hearing on June 27. The petitioner was represented by advocate PT Sheejish.
